Jonathan Jones Flies Plane to Sign Eagles Contract, NFL CB Has Pilot License

Jonathan Jones used his own wings to get to Philadelphia and sign a free-agent contract with the Eagles.

Speaking to reporters after signing his deal on Wednesday, Jones explained that he earned his pilot license in 2023 and flew himself into Philadelphia.

"Found a little passion for aviation," Jones said in a video conference with media members Wednesday. "It's a little hobby of mine that I enjoy doing."

In an interview with Julie Summers Walker of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association last November, Jones said his interest in aviation stemmed from a conversation with a friend who said they were flying from Birmingham, Alabama to Atlanta.

Jones explained he thought: "Who takes a commercial airliner from Birmingham to Atlanta?" His friend said that his son was a pilot and would take them, leading Jones to take a discovery flight that led to a "love" of aviation.

Of his flight into Philadelphia, Jones said it was "kind of nice to have an approach over the Delaware River" in the morning.

His knack for flying came in handy over the summer when his wife went into labor while he was in training camp with the Washington Commanders. He posted a video on Instagram of himself flying home to be with them.

The Eagles and Jones agreed to a one-year deal in free agency. He is joining Philadelphia's secondary after spending 2025 with the Commanders. The 32-year-old spent the first 10 years of his career with the New England Patriots.